The nominee to be the next U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka says human rights will be at the top of her agenda.

Michele Sison said the U.S. was looking for "near term progress" by Sri Lanka, particularly in setting a date for provincial elections in the country's north and demilitarization of former conflict zones.

Sison has served as ambassador to Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.

She is currently assistant chief of mission for law enforcement and rule of law at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.